on October 10, 2014
by Staff in Golden News,
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October is reminder of disease fight

October reminds those of us who are breast cancer survivors how lucky we are for having lived through the journey.

Ours is a sorority we never wanted to join. But we did unwillingly and lived to tell it. For me, a multi-year survivor (it’s funny that I no longer remember how many years), October is also a month to support breast cancer patients who are on the path to survival through donating to a charity.

My wish in October, and the rest of the year, is for a cure in my lifetime that will annihilate this insidious disease.

Rich Grant bids adieu

Rich Grant, Denver’s biggest booster who’s worked at Visit Denver for nearly 35 years, has finally set a retirement date – Dec. 31, his 35th anniversary with the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“And of course, it’s been great working with (CEO) Richard Scharf and the rest of the amazing Visit Denver team. I’ll still be around consulting. And I imagine there might be a retirement party in the future. Or two. Or three. Cheers!”

Grant has been toying with his retirement date for months, but settled on his 35th work anniversary and his 65th birthday as the right time.

“When I discovered there were 12 new breweries in Denver that I hadn’t been to, I realized – I don’t have enough free time!” he said.

I have worked and cocktail-partied with Grant during my 21 years as a Denver-based journalist. Grant, indeed, is Denver’s biggest booster even when he’s trying to convince me that a story that really isn’t a story deserves front-page attention. He’s been a staunch supporter of our fair city, and will be sorely missed.

Dream home open for viewing

Oakwood Homes opened the fourth annual Denver St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway house to the public on Oct. 4 in Green Valley Ranch, and attendees can enter free for a chance to win a $ 10,000 shopping spree at Furniture Row. The house will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 9.

The house, which was built and donated by Colorado-based Oakwood Homes, is valued at approximately $ 500,000. This house features four bedrooms, two and a half baths, a three-car garage and many upgrades including stainless steel appliances, a morning bar and fireplace in the master suite, hardwood floors and much more.

Other prizes include a 2015 Lincoln MKC valued at more than $ 33,000, courtesy of Landmark Lincoln, Sill TerHar Lincoln and Lincoln Motor Company, as well as many other high-end prizes.

“This project allows us to do what we do best – build great homes – while supporting a great cause,” said Pat Hamill, CEO and chairman of Oakwood Homes.

Raffle winners will be announced live on Channels 31 and 2 on Nov. 13. A limited number of tickets are available and can be reserved for $ 100 at www.dreamhome.org or by calling 800-276-7695.

Chicken special is back

I cornered Denver restaurant mogul Frank Bonanno at one of his booths during Denver Food and Wine recently, and begged, pleaded and cajoled him into bringing back chicken Tuesdays at Lou’s Food Bar, 1851 W. 38th Ave.

And although I can’t take total credit for the return of one of my favorite restaurant deals – a half fried chicken (naked, medium or Nashville hot) with two sides and a draft for $ 20 per person – I certainly added to the popular demand to bring back that Tuesday tradition.

Lou’s has also extended hours to welcome late-night diners and drinkers, and has expanded the tap selection to 17 drafts. Reservations: www.lousfoodbar.com; walk-ins welcome. Thanks, Frank!

Denver’s best fried chicken

Yes, I am fried chicken obsessed. Hands down the best fried chicken I’ve ever had comes from a food stand at the annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

But Colorado’s Front Range is no slouch when it comes to cluck. Eater Denver, our edition of the national foodie website, has just released its updated Best Fried Chicken Guide. Here’s which restaurants stood out in the coop:

To read more about each eatery’s dish, go to www.denver.eater.com/maps/best-fried-chicken-in-denver-guide/.

Overheard

Eavesdropping on a man talking about a conversation with his mother’s home care nurse:

“I think I can guess your age.”

“Go ahead.”

“Fifty-six?”

“You know I’m not allowed to tip you, right?”

Penny Parker’s “Mile High Life” column gives insights into the best events, restaurants, businesses, parties and people throughout the metro area. Parker also writes for Blacktie-Colorado.com. You can subscribe and read her columns (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) at www.blacktie-colorado.com/pennyparker. She can be reached at penny@blacktie-llc.com or at 303-619-5209.